Helioptile skidded back after receiving a blow from Korrina's Hawlucha. The lemon haired Gym Leader was currently on her last Pokemon as she stood off against Aiden. Who was surprisingly winning. Her Mienfoo was defeated by Zorua, Machoke was defeated by Combusken, and now Hawlucha was getting her butt whooped by Helioptile.
"Hawlucha, use Flying Press!" Korrina cried.
"Helioptile, use Thunder Shock!" Aiden roared.
Hawlucha collided with the other Pokemon's attack head on. The bird let out a screech before collapsing on the gym floor in defeat. "Hawlucha is unable to battle. Helioptile wins!" the ref yelled.
Aiden cheered and whooped in victory before embracing his Helioptile, who happily jumped into his arms. "Congratulations." Korrina said as she skated towards the two with a case in her hands, "You and your Pokemon put up a pretty good fight! Here's the Rumble Badge!"
Aiden thanked Korrina before taking the Boxing Glove shaped badge from the case and held it in the palm of his hand. "Look, Helioptile!" he said, gray eyes flashing with pride, "'We're to be in the Pokemon League in no time!"
"Helioptile!" Helioptile cried happily.
...
Aiden was sitting on the soft sand beach of Shalour City. Silently gazing up at the Tower of Mastery. It was after the Gym battle he had with Korrina and decided to have some quiet time to himself. He enjoyed listening to the waves hit against the sand while the Wingulls and Pelippers hovered just feet from the glittering blue water. It was perfect. It all reminded him of Hoenn. As much as he hated to admit it, he was starting to get homesick. He couldn't help but wonder how his family was doing without him. And it's been so long since he's last called his mother.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Aiden looked over his shoulder to see Korrina approaching him with a smile on her. Surprisingly, she wasn't wearing her skates at all. Just shoes that matched her outfit. The woman happily plopped beside him and looked up at the Tower as well. "The Tower of Mastery has been in my family ever since one of my ancestors discovered Mega Evolution. The view from up there is fantastic!"
"I can only imagine." Aiden chuckled as he looked back at the Tower as well. The two said nothing for a good few minutes until Korrina turned her head over to look at Aiden.
"Tell me about yourself, Aiden. What's life like in Hoenn?"
"A bit different." Aiden replied, "We're practically like a giant island on it's own. So we're surrounded by ocean either way. I grew up in Littleroot Town most of my life, but I was actually born in Fortree City."
"Fortree City?" Korrina gave him a questionable, "Never heard of it."
"You won't believe it, but it's actually a city of tree houses."
"No way." Korrina's jaw dropped, "Tree houses!? How do they get around?"
"It's all connected by a bridge system in the trees. I've only been to the city twice in my life. One was to visit my grandparents for the Feather Carnival and the second was for my sweet sixteen. I wanted to go someplace special."
"Hoenn sounds amazing." Korrina said, "It sounds like a place I could go to."
"You'll love it there if you're into beaches. If you ever do visit I could give you a tour. Maybe if you're lucky, the Feather Carnival might be in secession."
"I would like that." Korrina gave Aiden a smile.
"Aiden?" a familiar voice asked.
Aiden looked over his shoulder and smiled when he saw who it was. "Hi, Vivienne!" he said, standing up. Mica happily jumped out of her Trainer's arms before circling Aiden playfully. Wagging her large tail.
"A shiny Eevee! That's incredible!" Korrina said in awe as she patted the Pokemon. "You're one lucky girl if you have one."
"Thanks." Vivienne said as she scooped her Pokemon back in her arms. "Are you Korrina?"
"Yes ma'am!" Korrina proudly placed both fists on her hips and held her head high. "Lady Korrina of Shalour City!"
Vivienne giggled. "You're funny. I'm here to challenge you to a Gym battle, actually. But first there's something I have to attend to."
"What is it?" Aiden asked.
"I received a Holo-message earlier from a old man who goes by the name of Gurkinn. I have no idea who this man could be, but he told me to come to the Tower of Mastery here in Shalour City."
"Did you say Gurkinn?" Korrina asked, "He's my grandfather."
"Oh! Do you know where I can happen to find the Tower Mastery?"
"Easy! It's right in front of us." Korrina gestured to the single island just a few feet from them. Vivienne couldn't help but blink in unison with her Eevee as they gazed up at the Tower in awe and wonder.
"Did my grandfather say anything else in the message?" Korrina asked.
"Why, yes. He mentioned that there would be two others coming as well. But he didn't say who."
Aiden suddenly felt his Holo-Caster vibrate in his pants. Catching everyone off guard. He reached into his pocket and took the device out before pressing "Play". The holo-image of an old man suddenly appeared. "Is this your grandfather?" he asked Korrina as he listened to the message.
"Yep." Korrina replied.
"That's the same message I got." Vivienne said as soon as the message was over.
"Looks like we'll be going to the Tower of Mastery together, then." Aiden gave Vivienne a smile.
"Come on!" Korrina said, "I'll take both of you there."
...
The large double doors opened with a low groaning sound. Aiden and Vivienne followed Korrina into the large, circular room. In the center stood a large statue that resembled a Lucario. But in a much different appearance. This appearance made it look stronger and fiercer. A large spiral staircase spiraled up the hollow tower. The trio stopped and the doors closed with a bang, causing both Aiden and Vivienne to jump.
"Grandpa?" Korrina called, her voice echoing through the tower.
"Is he here?" Vivienne asked.
"He always is." Korrina replied. She beginning to feel confused herself. "Grandpa!" she called again. This time it was a bit louder.
"That's very strange." Korrina rubbed her chin, "This isn't like him."
"Hello?"
Aiden turned around and nearly jumped when he saw it was. Aw, crap! he thought frantically to himself and silently praying that the boy wouldn't recognize him. But unfortunately, he was dead wrong. The amber eyes flashed once they spotted him and the sandy blond eyebrows furrowed angrily.
"YOU!" Eli roared, "YOU'RE THE DUDE WHO BUMPED INTO ME BACK IN PARFUM PALACE!" Eli folded his arms above his chest angrily as he glared at Aiden.
"And who might you be?" Korrina asked as she stood defensively beside Aiden. Arms crossed as well.
"I'm Eli." Eli replied, "I got some message on my Holo-Caster by some old guy telling me to come here."
Aiden slumped and his jaw dropped in dismay. "You've got to be kidding me." he said in monotonous tone, "You're the third Trainer who's suppose to come?"
"You got a problem with that?" Eli asked.
"Wha- no! It's just... Just..." he sighed, "Never mind."
"Well now that everyone's here, all that's missing is Grandpa." Korrina said. She brought out her Holo-Caster and went through the list of numbers she had. "I'm gonna try and call him."
"Korrina?" an elderly voice bounced off the walls.
Everyone shot their heads up in unison. Looking over the edge of a stone balcony was head. They could barely make out the features because he was so high up. "Grandpa!" Korrina called, "What the hell are you doing way up there!? The Trainers you've called are here! We've been waiting for eight minutes now!"
"They have!?" Gurkinn called, "My bad! I was busy talking to Diantha!"
"Diantha's here!?" Korrina asked.
"Yes, ma'am!" a second head looked over the balcony as well. Everyone could make the faint appearance of a smile on her face. "I'm sorry! I busy talking to your Grandfather!" she yelled.
"It's alright!" Korrina replied.
"You four wait right there! We're coming down!" Gurkinn yelled.
"Do we even have a choice!?" Korrina asked jokingly.
In a few minutes, both Gurkinn and Diantha walked down the long spiral staircase. "I'm so sorry about the wait." Gurkinn apologized, "I didn't think out conversation would last this long. Any way, let's get down to business. Do you all know why you were called here?"
The trio of Trainers shook their heads in unison. He never gave much detail as to why he needed them to come in the first place. Only that it was important if they did. Korrina looked over to her Grandfather and crossed her arms. "Grandpa, you never did tell them why in the message." she said.
"Well, my dear granddaughter, I'm getting there. Tell me, have you three heard of Mega Evolution?"
"I've heard of it." Aiden replied. He then heard Eli scoff.
"Of course you do. You're Calem's cousin, right? He wields Mega Evolution, too."
"That doesn't mean he told me about it!" Aiden snapped, "I never knew he was able to Mega Evolved his Pokemon."
"Boys!" Gurkinn said, "Now is not the time to argue. But I am glad you know of Mega Evolution, Aiden. You see, that is why I called all of you here today. I am here to offer you three a device that allows you to preform Mega Evolution." The three Trainers eyes widened in shock. Was this guy serious? Gurkinn laughed at their expressions and continued. "I know it's a bit of a shock, but I should have you three know that Korrina and Diantha here have the ability to preform Mega Evolution themselves."
"Mm hm." Diantha nodded.
"That's right!" Korrina chimed.
"How?" Vivienne asked.
"My pendant." Diantha replied first as she gingerly lifted her sun shaped pendant up for them to see. In the center was a Mega Stone. "This was a gift given to me by an old friend of mine long ago. Since then, I've been able to preform Mega Evolution with my Gardevoir."
"And mine comes from my left glove." Korrina answered next as she lifted up her left hand. In the center of the glove was a Mega Stone as well. "This was given to me by Grandpa. I use this to Mega Evolve my Lucarios!"
"That's incredible." Aiden said.
"Yes. That is why I called you three here today. I am here to give you each a Mega Ring." Gurkinn said.
"WHAT!?" the trio cried in unison. Korrina swung her head over to her Grandfather with a shocked and confused expression. But all Gurkinn gave her was an assuring smile.
"Two years ago, there was only one Mega Ring in existence. But as time went on, we managed to create four. One went to your cousin, Calem. And now, I am entrusting you three with them."
Aiden stammered in complete disbelief. "B-but why us?" he asked.
"Simple," Gurkinn stood tall and confident with his head held high. "I believe you three possess the ability to preform Mega Evolution."
Is this guy serious? Aiden thought. Even Eli deserves it? This guy must be crazy to think that a Trainer like Eli should wield Mega Evolution. But being wise and polite, he kept his mouth shut about that. Gurkinn brought out three small cassess. Each containing a Mega Ring created specifically for them.
"This looks incredible." Vivienne said as she gazed at her Mega Ring.
"I'll say." Eli agreed.
Just as Gurkinn was about to hand Aiden his, Korrina suddenly snatched it from his hands. "Look... I do have to apologize." she looked at Aiden with a guilty look, "You'll have to make it up to the top of the Tower of Mastery if you want the Mega Ring. You've done great rolling with the punches. So great that I'd like to ask you a favor... Battle me again, won't you? But this time, it won't be just another Gym Battle... I want a battle between equals! As two Trainers who can use Mega Evolution!" she suddenly sprinted over to the steps. She looked over her shoulder and grinned at Aiden. "I'll be waiting for you with Lucario at the top!" she then sprinted up.
Aiden watched her before turning to Gurkinn. "Ah, that granddaughter of mine." he sighed, "I do apologize, but perhaps you should battle her again. If that is her request."
Aiden blinked before smiling. "I will." he said before sprinting up after her.
Diantha placed her hand on Gurkinn's shoulder and smiled at him. "If I may, I wish to go watch them. I am curious as to see how this battle will turn out."
"There's no need to ask, Diantha. Feel free to go." Gurkinn replied with a smile.
...
Aiden had never felt so much adrenaline in his life. As soon as he reached the top he couldn't help but marvel at the view. He could've sworn he could see the tip of Prism Tower from up therover
" I really love this place!" Korrina said as she looked at the horizon with her Lucarios by her side. "When I'm here with my Pokemon, looking at the wide-open sky above, all worries disappear, and I feel like I can do anything!" She turned to Aiden and gave him a warm smile. "Thanks for coming all the way up here. It was decided that this must be the place where the Mega Ring is handed over. Something about making sure we never forget to set our sights as high as the sky. And here it is-your very own Mega Ring!" Korrina handed the now open box to Aiden.
Aiden slowly removed it and couldn't help but look at the bracelet in silent awe.
"It's in the shape of a bracelet, so IT'S super easy to wear!" Korrina added.
"Thank you..." Aiden whispered before he placed it on his left hand. Perfect fit.
"Give your Pokemon the right Mega Stone, and try battling with it! Your Pokemon will surely answer the call of the Mega Ring!"
"Rwooof!" the Lucario Aiden had helped the other day suddenly ran towards him and circled him.
"Hmmm? Lucario, what's wrong?" Korrina asked.
"Rwoof!" Lucario stopped at Aiden's side and smiled up at him. Korrina looked a bit surprise.
"Lucario, are you sure? You want to battle alongside Aiden?" she asked. Lucario nodded. "I don't know what to say..." Korrina's voice trailed off slightly, "I'm a bit shocked that some traveling Trainer seems to have a stronger bond with you than I do... Just like Natalie did... Haha! Well, he must be something special! So, whaddya say, Aiden? Will you and Lucario battle against me and my Lucario? A Lucario-on-Lucario battle! It will be nothing short of riveting. They both have a Lucarionite in hand! How about we get this show on the road?"
"Yes." Aiden replied with a smile.
Korrina smiled back. "I can feel Lucario's passion. Perhaps it's just that he doesn't want to lose his brother, but it may be that he's just on the same wavelength as you..." she then turned to her Lucario, "Ready, Lucario? Let's give it all we've got!"
...
As Diantha reached the last few steps, she heard the battle begin. Excitement grew and she quickly walked a bit faster up the steps. Her heels hitting against the paved stone. It wasn't easy walking up these steps with them. As soon as she reached the top she poked her head out and watched the two Lucarios combat against one another.
"Lucario, use Bone Rush!" Korrina yelled.
"Try to dodge and use Bone Rush a second time!" Aiden roared.
Diantha blinked. They haven't Mega Evolved their Pokemon yet. She was then taken back a bit when she noticed the Gem on Korrina's left hand glowing. Aiden blinked, memories of the incident in Glittering Cave came rushing back when he witnessed Mega Evolution for the first time. Her Lucario was suddenly enveloped in a bright light. Once the light vanished, Lucario's form had changed. The blue dog threw his head back and howled mightily.
Aiden was a bit startled when he noticed the Lucarionite glowing on his bracelet as well. As if on instinct, he threw his wrist up and a light surrounded him and Lucario as well. Soon the light disappeared and Lucario's form had changed as well. Is it our bond that's caused this? Aiden wondered to himself. The battle soon resumed and Aiden was surprisingly winning.
"What an incredible bond you have! With amazing power!" Korrina remarked.
Diantha smiled. Yes. She could sense something from Aiden. Even if the boy didn't know it, he was strong. Both him and his Pokemon. Even if she just met him. Something about him reminded her of dear Nat- No. Her name isn't Natalie. That was her adoptive name. Plus she isn't the same sweet, shy girl she met at a cafe while talking with her father. At least, to people that is. She still shows kindness towards her Pokemon and blood relatives. Aka, Malva and Augustine. But it's been so long since she's last heard from any of them. Diantha had been in thought so much that she didn't notice Aiden's victory until she heard the opposing Lucario collapse to the floor.
"What an explosive battle!" Korrina said after she returned her defeated Lucario to his Pokeball, "I could tell that both Mega Lucario didn't hold anything back! With strong bonds like that, you shouldn't have any trouble triggering your Pokemon's Mega Evolution!" She then gave her other Lucario a brief look before smiling. "I think it would be best if you took that Lucario along with you on your journey."
"What?" Aiden asked.
"It's quite apparent that you two make truly incredible team!" Korrina replied.
"She's right." Diantha chimed in as she stepped outside and approached them, "I watched the entire battle and saw you handle Lucario. It's as though you were destined to meet."
Aiden looked over to Lucario, who smiled up at him. He then smiled back and nodded at Korrina. "I'll take him, then." he said.
Korrina smiled softly as she gently placed Lucario's Pokeball in his hand. "As long as Pokemon and Trainers have the kindness to care for each other and give each other courage, the world will be full of smiles!" she added.
...
The trio walked back down the large Tower. "Where is everyone?" Aiden asked once they reached the bottom. Diantha looked around and noticed that everyone was gone.
"Good question." she replied, "Korrina? Would you happen to know?"
Korrina shrugged. "Beats me."
"Hm." Diantha then approached the doors, "Maybe they're outside." she said. As soon as she opened both doors, she jumped back in surprise when Gurkinn, Vivienne and surprisingly Eli, all jumped out with streamers and confetti.
"SURPRISE!" they cried in unison.
Aiden gave Korrina a confused look, but she only gave him a playful grin and winked. This told him that she knew something was up. Diantha was confused herself when she suddenly started to laugh. She had forgotten it was her own birthday.
X.X
I've noticed that Aiden has made a lot of lady friends, but not girlfriend. Should I add a Aiden/? Pairing? If so then who? Here are his new lady friends:
Vivienne
Viola
Korrina
Let me know if you have an idea. I still haven't decided if he should be in a relationship.